7 Common Signs of a Deviated Septum You Shouldn’t Ignore
Do you know what a deviated septum looks like, or how you can identify one? It is a common nasal abnormality that can have disruptive outcomes on your daily functioning. Let us learn the 7 highly observed symptoms of deviated septum and their consequences to increase awareness and be vigilant about your health.
Difficulty Breathing
The very first indicator of a possibly deviated septum is observed through the abnormalities in breathing. Since one of the air passages is smaller than the other, it can cause difficulties in breathing normally. The deviation in the septum can lead to turbulence in the regular airflow, making breathing a difficult and labored process. There is also an increase in the resistance of the intake of airflow, adding complications to the breathing process.
Nasal Congestion
Septum deviations can lead to chronic feelings of nasal congestion. Alterations in the airflow intake patterns lead to excessive mucus production, further narrowing the nasal passages. These developments can make a person feel highly congested and stuffed, worsening breathing difficulties and causing hindrances in daily functioning.
Recurring Sinus Infections
Typically, sinuses occur when the nasal tissues get swollen or inflimmated due to certain conditions. However, for those with deviated septums, it can become a regular thing. The blockage of sinus drainage pathways results in stagnant mucus collection, which increases the vulnerability to bacteria growth and infections. The inflammation of tissues can also result in excessive mucus production, which causes more congestion.
Being prone to recurring sinus infections can have other damaging consequences that degrade one’s health. This includes development or worsening of depressive symptoms, sleep disturbances, onset of asthama, pneumonia, degraded ear and brain health.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are one of the most alarming symptoms of deviated septum that arise due to the alterations in the nasal anatomy. The constant congestion weakens the nasal blood vessles, increasing the chances of rupture, which can cause bleeding. Increased dryness in the nasal passages also leads to scab formation, which can result in nosebleeds when irritated. The friction between the septum and lining of the nasal cavity can also result in unprecedented nose bleeds.
Facial Pain or Headaches
While it may seem unusual, but deviated septum can be a cause behind facial pain or chronic headaches. The high rates of sinus infections, rubbing of septum against sensitive nasal tissues, chronic congestion, and sensitivity to airflow change due to septum deviations cause headaches. People may also experience one-sided facial pain and tenderness due to abornmalities in their septum.
Postnasal Drip
Issues in the nasal structure can also lead to postnasal drip as a side effect. As the septum is only a thin cartilage, any crookedness in it may lead to difficulty in draining out mucus. This retention of mucus can lead to postnatal drip, which has several consequences on the throat health. These effects can include cough reflex, swollen tonsils, cough, constant tickling in the throat, and nausea. The damages can also disrupt one’s respiratory health by causing inflammation in lower airway, bad breath, and dripping of mucus in respiratory organs during sleep.
Snoring or Sleep Apnea
Perhaps the most altering effects of a deviated septum are those on one’s sleep quality. Nasal congestion resulting from deviations in septum can lead to loud breathing and snoring during sleep. In severe cases, the condition can result in symptom formation of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder which is categorized by temporary pauses in breathing during one’s sleep. A deviated septum may trigger or worsen the mechanisms of this disorder, causing serious consequences. Sleep apnea is said to be the root cause behind various side effects such as chronic fatigue, depression, strokes, cardiovascular issues, and type 2 diabetes, among other severities.
Prevention and Cure
One of the most common questions most people have is whether they can prevent having a deviated septum. It isn’t entirely preventable, as some people may be born with it. However, you can safeguard your nose from any severe trauma or injury as a preventive method to develop deviations in your nasal structure.
Moreover, the effects of deviated septums can be thoroughly managed or even reversed with the suitable cures. Your doctor may assess the severity of your condition and suggest the cure accordingly. Some mild cases may be managed through certain lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication. Certain special cases may require stronger medication, while extreme cases can only be managed through surgery. An ENT specialist will examine you before proceeding.
Prioritize Your Nasal Health with Texas Sinus & Snoring
Breathing isn’t supposed to be difficult. If you or someone you know is facing breathing problems due to nasal abnormalities, remember that help is out there. Texas Sinus & Snoring has a team of renowned professionals dedicated to improving your quality of life through high-end surgical procedures. To enjoy the benefits of fixing a deviated septum, you can get in touch with our experts. They will work to revive your breathing patterns and help you lead a healthy life!
FAQ’s
What is a deviated septum, and how common is this condition?
A deviated septum is among the most common nasal deformities found among people. It occurs when the nasal septum, the thin wall between the nostrils, gets displaced to one side. This results in making one of the nasal passages small, causing complications. About 80% of people are estimated to have this condition.
What is the recovery process like after deviated septum surgery?
Septoplasty, the surgical procedure performed to correct a deviated septum, has a very standardized recovery procedure that stretches over a period of 6 weeks for complete healing. You can expect the following steps during recovery.
- Ensuring sufficient rest
- Managing hydration
- Eating a balanced diet
- Avoiding blowing of nose
- Changing nasal dressings
- Maintaining nasal hygiene
- Showing up for follow-up appointments
- Staying away from nasal irritants
- Quitting smoking and drinking
What lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of a deviated septum?
You can manage a deviated septum by altering your lifestyle and introducing certain healthy habits such as:
- Managing allergies and asthma symptoms
- Using humidifiers and saline nasal sprays
- Sleeping on your side
- Quitting drinking alcohol and smoking
- Reducing intake of caffeine and sedatives
- Trying nasal dilators
- Taking steam or hot showers
How do you get rid of post-nasal drip?
You can reduce or eliminate post-nasal drip through the following measures.
- Keep your head elevated
- Inhale essential oils
- Gargle with saltwater
- Increase the intake of hot fluids
- Use humidifiers or vapors
- Take steam
- Get over-the-counter medication
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
What treatment options are available for correcting a deviated septum?
There are various treatment options available for correcting a deviated symptom. Depending on the severity of your condition, a healthcare provider may suggest different measures.
Medications will suffice in mild to moderate cases with only occasional symptoms. These are available in the form of nasal decongestants, steroid sprays, or antihistamines. For those with severe and bothersome symptoms, surgery may be recommended. It is important to get a surgeon’s guidance before undergoing this procedure.